Thanks to everyone who reviewed. Hope you enjoy this chapter!
"I just don't know what to do with her Jafar. To think my own daughter could be capable of such deceit and treachery. And for her to try and frame you the way she did, why it just doesn't bear thinking about". The Sultan said quietly, accepting the glass of wine Jafar handed to him as they both sat down.
"While I cannot condone her behaviour your majesty, I can understand that she may be under a tremendous amount of stress right now. We are talking about a man who will be her husband, who will take care of her for the rest of her life and who will sire her future children. She is still a child, as I'm sure you're aware and such things must seem scary to her. She will be given so much more responsibility and the expectations of her shall be great. It is understandable that she may feel the need to lash out as she had. Understandable but still it cannot excuse her for her behaviour. Particularly her treatment of you Sire. You are the Sultan. She should know that is something she must respect". Jafar soothed, much like a parent would soothe an upset child. Well it wasn't far from the truth, even if the roles were somewhat reversed.
"You're right, of course you're right. Now this is for her own good. I have my duties and she has hers. And it's about time she realised that. Oh but Jafar, what can I do or say to her to make things right between us? She's just so stubborn; she gets it from her mother you know. She always was a stubborn one. Runs in the family I'm afraid". The Sultan shook his head slowly, head in his hands as he looked pleadingly at his advisor.
"I'm afraid your options are limited your highness. The law states she must be married to a prince by her sixteenth birthday. There's no getting around it. But perhaps, if I may, you could involve her more in all of this. I'm afraid we have been making the decisions for her, we have been choosing the candidates and she has had nothing to do but reject every last one of them. I suggest compiling a list of princes she has not yet seen and allow her to choose who she wishes to meet. Allow her to choose for herself. I am sure she shall come around once she feels like she is in control of her own life. Women like her are all the same. Let them think they're right and they'll be happy. Trust me". Jafar soothed, the eyes of his staff glowing briefly as it worked its magic.
"Trust you." The Sultan breathed out. He calmed as the magic invaded his mind, forcing his every muscle to still. Minus his heart of course, it wouldn't do to have that stop.
"Yes, that's it. Just like that, your highness". Jafar smiled; an expression that looked rather odd on a face so sinister all the time. A smirk was normal, but a smile was a rarity.
The Sultan blinked, the spell broken as he breathed out. "Thank you Jafar, oh thank you". He enthusiastically grabbed the man's hand, shaking it vigorously. "Yes, you're right. You're right, of course you are".
"A simple compromise is all it takes. I'm sure Jasmine will come around". Jafar added. Just for good measure.
"Master?" A knock on the door alerted Jafar to the boy's presence. Right on time too. Enough time had passed for the Sultan's most pressing concern to be addressed, yet there was still much for them to discuss. And things always seemed to go better with a fine meal in his belly.
"Enter". There was no need to waste words on the boy. He either learned to follow simple commands or he was gone. Simple as that.
Aladdin pushed open the door, bowing briefly before entering the room, another servant in tow carrying food for the Sultan. He placed the platter of fruits, cheeses, meats and bread onto the table, a jug of wine following suit. The other servant set his own platter down in front of the Sultan, bowing once before exiting the room. Silent and efficient, the way any good servant should act. Aladdin knew he had a lot to learn.
"You may leave. I have nothing else for you to do, so you can return to your room. But I expect you to be waiting outside my rooms an hour after sunrise. Be sure to stop by the kitchens, I'll expect you to bring me my meal". Jafar dismissed him with a wave of his hand. Aladdin nodded silently, aware it wasn't his place nor the time to speak. He bowed once and then left, noting with some relief that the other servant was outside waiting for him.
"I figured you needed some help finding your way back to the sleeping quarters". The servant smiled indulgently. Aladdin giving a sheepish nod in response.
"Yeah. I'm still getting used to all of this".
"So how did Master Jafar find you? I must say you don't seem like the type he'd usually go for. For a servant I mean. He usually has a harem of well educated, young lads just waiting for him to take them into his possession. So he can teach them all sorts of things".
"Like what?" Aladdin wasn't stupid. The servant was doing a poor job of disguising the double meaning behind his words. And besides Aladdin had grown up on the streets, he'd seen more than his fair share of depravity and sex.
"Just you know magic and stuff". It didn't take much for Aladdin to work out what stuff he meant.
"He can teach magic?" Aladdin was curious. Sure he knew it existed. It was rare but it was still there.
"Only to those worthy enough to learn it. It's why all his servants have been from families of high standing. They're supposed to be worthier than us common folk. I wouldn't know why though. So why did he choose you as his servant?" The older man asked, curious about the newcomer.
"We met in the marketplace. There was an incident between a man and one of the stall owners, a bigger thief than any you'd find in the slums if you ask me. He was about to beat the man when I stepped in trying to stop him. Net thing I know the palace guards are carting him off to the dungeons and there was my Master, just stood there watching us. It was strange. But I can't complain. This is a far better life than I lived before I entered the palace". Aladdin responded. He glossed over some of the finer details; there was no need to tell the man everything. But he knew not telling him anything would only further the rumours that were surely circulating the palace.
"What was your life like before the palace? If you don't mind me asking". The man was careful; he'd heard stories about those who lived outside the palace. He'd been one himself many years ago. He knew there were things people just didn't want to talk about, but it still didn't stop him from wanting to know.
"It was hard. Me and Abu, we lived on the streets. We'd steal food to survive, but never any more. There were others like me who would steal anything and everything. I could have been like them but I just didn't think it was right. They were greedy, they wanted everything for themselves. I only wanted to survive. Living where we did, if you wish for anything more than to survive then you're just going to be disappointed. I decided I didn't want to be disappointed anymore". Aladdin mused aloud. At the sombre expression on the other servant's face he gave a grin in an effort to lighten the mood. "But I never thought something like this would happen to someone like me. This place is like a dream come true". Aladdin grinned, sheepishly rubbing his neck.
The servant smiled in response. "I'm glad you feel that way. If you need any help finding anything please come find me. I've been here a long time so I know the ways of the palace. I still have things to do so I'm afraid I must depart. But if you continue down this hall and take the first left you will arrive at the servant's quarters. I trust you can find your room from there". The servant gave him a fond smile, much like a parent would give a child or a child would give their sibling. When they weren't screaming at the other for whatever they'd done to annoy them that is.
"Yes. Thank you". Aladdin smiled, waving as they parted ways.
Taking a deep breath he continued down the hall, taking the first left and arriving just where the servant said he'd be. Arriving at the servant's quarters Aladdin was relieved. He'd completed his first day without major incident, at least none that was his fault. And his surroundings were familiar so he was sure he could find his room once more. All in all it was a good day's work. He felt a little hungry sure, but he'd long grown used to the feeling of hunger. He'd be perfectly fine waiting until tomorrow to eat. Right now however he was more concerned about getting some sleep. The day's events were quickly catching up to him.
"Abu? You awake?" Aladdin asked, entering the room with a yawn. He paused as he noted the sleeping monkey snuggled into his own little pillow. Aladdin smiled, grabbing the small blanket that had been conveniently left for such purpose and pulling it over Abu's tiny frame. "G'night Abu". Aladdin divested himself of his clothes minus his underwear, folding them carefully and putting them away for the night. He pulled on a loose vest and with one last yawn he dropped onto the bed, wrapping the blanket around his body. It had been a long time since he'd ever felt so comfortable and safe. Long enough that he fell asleep within seconds, unaware that anyone was looking for him.
Aminah scowled as she stalked the hallways. She'd been looking for the boy for over an hour now and was quickly running out of patience. She'd been worrying about the poor boy all day, especially once she'd learned he hadn't eaten since breakfast. The poor thing was already little more than skin and bones, with admittedly some rather fine muscle. The last thing he needed was to be going off to bed without any dinner.
Sadly it was a problem Aminah had little experience with herself. Traditionally servants were recruited through family contacts, usually from families with high connections and standing. So for a boy from the slums, a street rat no less, to be chosen as a servant for one of the highest ranking officials in the palace, well it was a new one for her that was for sure. And the idea that the boy, Aladdin, was unused to eating regularly, enough so that skipping meals was a normal thing for him; well it just didn't bear thinking about.
Aminah finally arrived outside the boy's room, knocking once before opening the door after hearing nothing in response. "Aladdin?" She stopped upon seeing the boy and his monkey fast asleep.
The boy's clothes had been folded and sat resting on top of the trunk. No doubt he'd thought he'd be using them tomorrow. Well not if she had anything to say about it. With a soft smile she busied herself with making sure the blankets were secure, she'd hate to see either of the two grow cold in the night. With a final nod she left. She didn't want to wake him, the poor dear looked exhausted. And no doubt he'd be hard at work tomorrow. But rest assured she'd be forcing him to eat and bathe. The boy needed to learn the standards every servant was expected to live up to. And that included being fit, healthy and most importantly clean. It wouldn't do for Jafar's personal servant to be seen as just another street rat. He had a title now, a role in which to play. And she was determined that the boy play his role well enough that he wouldn't be made to leave.
There was some truth behind those rumours regarding Jafar, and Aminah was determined Aladdin wouldn't be sent to the same fate.
He was such as sweet boy; he didn't deserve such a life. Not anymore. Not if she had anything to say about it. And she had a lot to say about it.
Aminah closed the door quietly behind her. It was her responsibility to ensure every servant was fit to work. And in his condition, Aminah had serious concerns about Aladdin's ability to work in such a state. The boy needed fattening up, more so than the usual newcomers that joined the palace staff. Oh sure there was the odd servant recruited from the lower class families. Usually for menial labour such as cleaning up after the animals. Those people usually required a good meal or two, used to smaller meals and plainer foods than those served at the palace. But that was it, a little extra food and they were as right as rain.
But Aladdin was different. He wasn't just used to smaller meals, he was used to starvation. To going days without food, something that Aminah couldn't bear to think about. And what was worse was that it didn't seem to bother him. He acted so cheerful, so strong, and all the while his body was slowly eating away at itself. Aminah just couldn't bear it. He was just so young in her eyes. So young and yet he'd already seen so much. She was determined to help him.
"Your excellency?" Jafar looked up from the scroll he'd be reading.
"Yes?" He was surprised to see the woman stood there. To his recollection she was in charge of overseeing the servants. So why was she here? That was the question.
"I wanted to discuss something with you regarding your new servant, Aladdin". She was nervous, the man wasn't known for possessing empathy for those beneath his status.
"He's only been here a day. What kind of trouble could he have possibly gotten into in the last hour since he brought me my meal?" Jafar sighed. And he quite liked the boy working for him. He was efficient, knew how to keep quiet and above all wasn't nearly as annoying as those pretentious, stuck up little shits that bought their way into becoming his servant. Being born into a high class family meant nothing when they were incapable of following the most simplest of tasks. It seemed the higher their class, the stupider they became. Not to mention the arrogance they possessed. He was the only one allowed to be so arrogant.
"There's no trouble sir. I mean he has not caused any trouble. But I fear he may be in trouble". Aminah spoke quickly, aware that Jafar was growing increasingly annoyed.
"Oh? However do you mean my dear?" Jafar practically purred. It amused him to see the motherly old matron blush as though she were a foolish young girl panting after one of the guards.
"He is starving my lord. He hasn't eaten since this morning and when I found him he was already asleep. I fear his life on the streets has made him all too accustomed to surviving as opposed to living. He is already much too skinny, I fear he will not last much longer. I only ask that you give him time to eat between tasks, to allow him to gain some much needed weight. I know it may not be my place to ask but-"
"Concern for the health of the servants is part of your duties. It is you place, as you so put it. I will not blame you for trying to carry out your job. I will watch him as you have asked. I need him fit to work and like you I have no use for him should he grow sick and die because he is too stupid to ask for food. Rest assured he will not starve under my care. You may go". Jafar interrupted, waving her off after saying his bit.
With a nod and relieved smile Aminah bowed once before leaving.
'Perhaps he isn't as bad as the rumours claim?' She thought to herself. She shook her head of such thoughts, the man only cared that the boy was fit to work. It made sense that he'd be willing to do his part to ensure that happened. He wasn't a patient man and Allah knows he'd made more than one servant cry for failing to meet his high standards.
That the boy, Aladdin, appeared to be doing a good job likely held a lot of influence over Jafar's decision to ensure he ate. The man was notoriously difficult to work for and finding him a new servant had always been her least favourite part of her job. She was determined to keep him happy, and if it meant fattening the boy up and pleasing her own innate need to mother him, well that was fine with her.
It would be like killing two birds with one stone, everybody would be happy in the end.
"Quit it Abu". Aladdin mumbled, throwing his arm over his eyes as he tried in vain to ignore the monkey's antics. Abu screeched in response, shaking his young master until he finally awoke.
"Alright, alright I'm up! I'm up already!" Aladdin groaned.
He pushed himself from the bed with a grumble. He made quick work of remaking the bed and was in the process of redressing when he was interrupted by a knock at the door.
"Abu can you get that?" Aladdin asked, struggling with pulling the shirt over his head. The monkey did as asked, though not without rolling his eyes at his master's inability to dress himself.
Abu scurried to the door, crouching down before jumping to grab at the knob. He turned it, having had years of practice from his time in the circus and with a click the door swung open, the monkey dangling from its handle.
"Ah, I see you're up. I hope you're not planning on wearing the same clothes as yesterday Aladdin". Aminah entered the room and went to tug the shirt from Aladdin's head. She looked at him pointedly as he blushed in embarrassment.
"Sorry". He mumbled, looking shyly down at the floor. He wrapped his arms around himself, aware that he stood practically naked in front of a woman old enough to at least be his mother, if not his grandmother.
"Now follow me. Fetch a clean set of clothes from your trunk and I'll take you to where you are to bathe. I understand you may not be used to how things are done around here, but here we expect everyone to be clean, fed and ready to work. Now hurry up lad, we have much to do before you are to attend to your master". Aminah bustled out the room, turning back to look at him expectantly.
"You want me to out there? Like this?" Aladdin gestured to himself in disbelief.
"It's nothing they haven't seen before. Put the shirt you slept in back on if you're really that uncomfortable. Now hurry up". Aladdin stumbled to do as she commanded.
"Abu you stay here. I'll come get you later". Abu nodded, hopping back onto his pillow and curling up into a ball.
Thankfully things weren't nearly as uncomfortable as they had been the first time Aladdin had visited the baths. Though that was likely due to the lack of pretty women fawning all over him. Without such distractions bathing took half the time, although he was somewhat paranoid that Aminah would return to make sure he was clean. He was just relieved he'd managed to convince her to leave him alone to bathe.
"Finished?" Aladdin looked up as he finished tugging his shirt over his head. Clean and dressed he had to admit it was something he could get used to.
"Yes Ma'am".
"Good, now come with me. Like it or not you'll be required to eat three meals while you're working here. And I will be watching to make sure you eat. You hardly ate a thing yesterday and I won't be having any more of that. While you're under my care you will be eating regular meals. Understand?"
"Yes Ma'am". Aladdin was starting to feel like that parrot he'd seen perched on his master's shoulder.
Aminah led him once again to the kitchens. "I expect you know the way here by now. Now I'll be having no excuses for you missing meals, understood?"
"Yes Ma'am". It seemed to get easier each time he said it. Just stand there, smile and nod. It really wasn't hard. Even Abu could do it. Well, if you dangled a bit of food in front of him at least.
Aladdin struggled to keep the grin off his face as he took a seat at the table. He couldn't help himself; it just felt so weird to have someone caring about him like that. It hadn't happened since he was a child. Under Aminah's pointed gaze Aladdin sheepishly started putting food on his plate. He was aware he needed to eat quickly if he wanted to be on time with his master's morning meal.
"You've been here a day, what could you have possibly done to get on her bad side?" A familiar voice brought him out of his thoughts. Hakeem sat down beside him with a grin.
"Skipped a meal or two". Aladdin admitted sheepishly.
"Yeah that'd do it. Don't worry she'll be watching you like a hawk from now on for the next few months".
"Is that supposed to reassure me?" Aladdin asked incredulously.
Hakeem just chuckled in response, patting Aladdin on the shoulder. "Good luck".
"Thanks".
Another pointed look from Aminah had Aladdin turning his attention back on the food. He couldn't help but feel like a child scolded by their mother. That universal shake of the head, followed by pursed lips and intense stare was something just about anyone could understand. He finished quickly, eating more than he had the previous morning. Though that was likely due to how hungry he really was. He bid a quick goodbye to Hakeem, the stable boy waving him off as he returned to his own meal.
"I trust you remember where his rooms are?" The cook asked him, receiving a nod in return.
"Good, now take this and go. Now!" The cook shooed him off as Aladdin hastened to do as commanded. Aladdin grabbed the tray as prompted before leaving. He'd wasted enough time already taking care of himself, thanks to Aminah's mothering. With a sigh he reached his master's rooms, knocking once and waiting for permission to enter.
"Enter".
Aladdin manoeuvred the tray in order to push open the doors. "Master?"
"Put it down over there. Then go get me what I need from the library. Tell them I sent you". Jafar never even looked up from his reading as he held out a scrap of parchment.
"Yes master". Aladdin bowed once before leaving.
'Better go without Abu'. Aladdin thought to himself. He could only imagine the chaos that would ensue, with bringing a monkey into a room filled with valuable scrolls and books. He'd rather not get banned if he could help it. At least not until after his first visit.
"You! Where is he?" Aladdin was startled from his thoughts as the princess of all people approached him. And she did not look happy. Although come to think of it, Aladdin didn't think he'd ever actually seen her happy.
"Your highness? Uh, who are you talking about?" Aladdin asked, confused.
"What are you incompetent? I need to speak with Jafar! Where is he?" The princess glared at him, tossing her hair back before crossing her arms in irritation.
"He's in his rooms".
The princess scowled before scoffing as Aladdin made no move to escort her.
"What kind of idiots are they hiring these days? Do you know who I am? I am the princess of this kingdom. I cannot be wasting my time searching for people. When I want someone I expect people to bring them to me. Do you understand?" Aladdin nodded silently. Unable to think of a verbal response.
"What exactly is going on here?" The familiar silky tone of his master's voice broke the silence.
"Master, I-"
"Well it seems I was wrong you aren't completely incompetent after all. Now leave us". The princess commanded. Aladdin paused waiting for Jafar's approval. He was the only one, aside from the Sultan, whose orders he was expected to obey.
Jafar nodded once. A slow, deliberate nod designed to irritate the princess even further. It was one of the few pleasures he still had in his life, one he was determined not to lose. Aladdin bowed before continuing down the hall. As he rounded the corner he stopped and breathed. He did not want to be around for another of the princess' tantrums, the first one had been bad enough.
Jasmine scowled once more. How dare he defy her commands, didn't he understand what she was to Agrabah? She was their crown jewel, the one everyone came to see. She was the best thing that could be found within the city walls. And he dared wait for his master's approval before following her command?
'What is wrong with these people? Ignorant peasants should be banned from the palace altogether' Jasmine thought to herself with a sneer.
Jasmine was many things. Spoiled, rich and incredibly beautiful as princesses were expected to be. Unfortunately though, a life of getting her own way without consequence meant she responded badly when things didn't go her way. First with her upcoming marriage to a man she'd know for mere days at best, and now a peasant boy choosing to defy her commands. This was all Jafar's fault, she was sure of it. And she wasn't going to stand for it anymore.
This is a little later than I wanted to update but I have been busy lately. Anyway I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
Please review!
KB